Speaking outside the service, Ms Bryce said the whole country joined in giving its deepest sympathy to the Christie family and the "devastating circumstances" surrounding the death of their "very precious son".

"As Governor-General, and if I may say as a parent, for all parents, for all grandmothers and grandfathers, there is no place, no excuse, no tolerance for gratuitous violence in our society," she said.

"It's unacceptable and unAustralian."

A private cremation and wake will be held after the service.

Shaun McNeil, 25, is accused of murdering Daniel by allegedly punching him in an unprovoked attack.

Daniel's death and that of one-punch victim Thomas Kelly, also 18, at Kings Cross in July 2012 prompted public outrage and widespread calls for law changes to tackle alcohol-fuelled violence.